The votes have been counted and the stage has been set for young singers Konner Millar Brookbanks from Motherwell; Nicole Airlie from Wishaw and Rachel Anderson from New Stevenston to perform at the final on Thursday, February 4 at Cardinal Newman High School in Bellshill.

The competition is being run by the Times & Speaker and our sister titles in Kirkintilloch, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Milngavie and Bearsden and Carluke and Lanark but the winner of the contest has come from this circulation area for the last two years running.

Last year, Stacey Cook from Bellshill astounded the audience with her amazing voice to lift the title of the Voice of 2008 whilst the previous year young starlet Lisa McKechnie belted out a few high notes to become the Voice of 2007.

The competition is all about giving young talent a platform to shine in their local area and this year the Times & Speaker are hoping that it is the most successful yet, just like our contestants.

Eleven-year-old Konner Millar Brookbanks was delighted to hear that he had reached the final of the contest, admitting that he can't wait to perform on the night.

The Cathedral Primary School pupil said: "It is great news and I am really excited. I have been practicing my routine with my grandfather and I am looking forward to the final."

Also hoping to impress the audience on the night is Nicole Airlie (13) with her rendition of KT Tunstall's Other Side of the World.

The Clyde Valley High School pupil received a massive 407 votes to secure her place in the final.

She will be joined by New Stevenston lass Rachel Anderson who impressed our readers with her rendition of Pixie Lott's Mama Do.

Tickets are now on sale from the Motherwell Times office in Hope Street, priced £3

Full story in January 14 and 21 editions of Times & Speaker